Van de Ven Double Halts The Toffees' Unbeaten Streak at New Stadium

Micky van de Ven celebrating

Micky van de Ven emerged as the initial backline player to net twice in a English top-flight match for Spurs since the Belgian defender in spring 2013.

At a glance

  • Micky Van de Ven nods home two times in first half

  • The home side's Jake O'Brien has goal disallowed after VAR review

  • Senegalese midfielder scores final goal in 89th minute

  • This loss is Everton's initial at Hill Dickinson Stadium

The Tottenham defender scored twice as Spurs extended their winning streak in away games in the top division and handed the Toffees their first defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton were unbeaten in their last five matches at their new ground at the dockside location, having left Goodison Park behind after more than a century at the end of the previous campaign.

But Spurs captain Van de Ven struck on two occasions from corners in the opening 45 minutes to place their strong form at risk, and they were failed to turn it around before the midfielder - set up by ex-Everton forward the Brazilian - headed home a final goal to put the game to bed.

The Everton defender thought he had equalized the scores five minutes after the defender's first goal, glancing a powerful header past Guglielmo Vicario from an set-piece.

The Portuguese striker, in the meantime, missed a number of opportunities, while Vicario made a series of excellent saves to ensure the London club went five matches on the road without defeat in the English top flight.

But the video assistant referee stepped in, instructing Craig Pawson to check the score on the pitchside monitor and the referee ruled that Jack Grealish and the attacker were in offside positions and had interfered with the Tottenham goalkeeper.

The win elevates Thomas Frank's team up to third in the Premier League, a handful of points off local foes and leaders the Gunners.

The Merseyside club stay in 14th position and sit half a dozen points clear of the drop zone.

Tottenham analysis: The defender fulfils duties at both ends of the field

Following a uninspiring weekday display in the European competition against Monaco, where they mustered a only attempts on target, the manager opted for Randal Kolo Muani up front instead of former Toffees player Richarlison.

The summer signing was failed to influence the game before being substituted for the substitute after 60 minutes on the field, but it turns out he wasn't needed in the end.

Centre-back Van de Ven converted into an offensive threat to be feared.

Spurs' opening strike came from a cleverly executed set-piece play, with Rodrigo Bentancur heading the ball toward the face of goal for an free Van de Ven to head home.

And the captain - filling in as skipper in Cristian Romero's absence - added his next goal in added time as he outjumped the England keeper to nod in.

Van de Ven was equally outstanding in defensive duties, combining well with his defensive colleague as the pair dealt superbly with the numerous deliveries sent their way by the opposition.

Toffees breakdown: Toffees lacking finishing touch

The club's recent stadium had been a happy hunting ground, but it seems the freshness may have faded slightly and fans headed to the exits after the midfielder's third for Spurs.

The break in Everton's unbeaten home run will not be a major worry for David Moyes, but their striker situation are.

Beto and Thierno Barry - the Toffees' pair of recognised centre-forwards - had netted only one league goal between them before Sunday's match.

And they were unable to add to that poor tally on a damp and dreary evening on Merseyside.

The striker's performance was summed up when he chose to overhead kick a clear chance from close range, even with having space and opportunity to reposition for a simpler attempt that would have challenged Vicario.

The substitute, too, was unable to make an impact after replacing the starter in the 65th minute.

It wasn't for a shortage of opportunity. Most of the home side's offensive moves came through the winger and Ndiaye, who relentlessly delivered dangerous crosses into the Tottenham penalty area.

Upcoming fixtures for these two sides?

Everton: Moyes' men head to Sunderland in the top flight on Monday, 3 November at 20:00 GMT.

Spurs: The London club go to St James' Park on Wednesday, 29 October for their next round League Cup tie against Newcastle.

Jonathan Miller
Jonathan Miller

A multidisciplinary artist and digital creator with a passion for blending traditional techniques with modern technology.